Inspired to reach for more, achieve more, be more

That idea has become an accepted truth, a tenet reinforced with every breath.

Last weekend stitched another thread into a fabric of life-cloth as Toby Sanders replaced Bishop Earl Jenkins during a Servants Endeavoring to Empower and Develop (S.E.E.D.) program.

Jenkins grounded with flight problems in Houston. Sanders blasted off with a memorable discourse about life.

Sanders, president of Trenton’s school board, delivered thoughts that replayed in my mind as I traveled to Washington, D.C. for the second inauguration of President Barack Obama.

Sanders’ core message designated love as the key component to a worthwhile life. He suggested that many people who have a hand in positive change or the empowerment of others, frequently go unnoticed.

So, off I went to Washington with Sanders’ inspirational ideas tripping through my head. Passed Philadelphia and Wilmington. Beside Baltimore and then onto Washington, D.C. Lord, am I doing enough? Anything you ask, will I do? With the rest of my time here on earth? With this moment or the next?

The first President Obama inauguration attracted nearly two million disbelieving guests who never imagined America would elect a black man. No, the second time around did not match the euphoria but Washington, D.C. served as reaffirmation of American dreams.

The Barack Obama presidential sequel may have been better in terms of energy and promise. We have work to do, for equality, for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. For this one world that poet Richard Blanco eloquently described in his “One Today” offering during his inaugural appearance.

Influenced by another stirring day on The Mall, infused with a better vision of my life, I have returned to Trenton with a desire to speak Sanders’ “language of love” that Sanders discussed.

This endeavor started yesterday with a realization that we who have been blessed with a bounty of blessings remain distanced from others who struggle with food, clothing, and shelter.

Instead, we frequently judge the homeless, or addicted, or destitute with a condemnation that they should rise up with a purpose. Frequently, people need help from those of us immersed in incredible lives.

I traveled all the way to Washington, D.C. to find out that my real calling is to help with the rebuilding of lives, of spirit, even if that support comforts people for just an hour, or day.

This election of our country’s first African American president has included a presidential caveat that “it’s not about (him).”

Barack Obama has almost nothing to do with the homeless people seen making their daily pilgrimage to Trenton Area Soup Kitchen or to the Trenton Rescue Mission. However, he does or can impact those of us who have revenue or kindness of heart to give money or time toward coming to the rescue of brothers, sisters and families in need.

For the next five or six days, Trenton’s community of strugglers will fight hunger, seek shelter, desire hours of warmth as bone-chilling temperatures grip their skin.

Twenty-five degrees as high temperatures with windchill factors that could kill.

We must do our part to prevent human suffering, to understand that this United States citizenship we hold challenges us, calls us to donate whatever we can toward human rescue.

Yesterday, coworkers contributed dollars toward a purchase of hand warmers that could give comfort to almost 200 Rescue Mission clients where Mary Gay Abbott Young heads a staff that tends to a growing number of challenged residents.

As time moves forward, this space will solicit help from Trenton residents and its neighbors to improve the quality of life for others.

Maybe you can volunteer. Perhaps you are in a position to make a financial contribution. Or maybe you can only afford a prayer. Or maybe you know somebody, who knows somebody that can help.

For Trenton to experience a real renaissance we must throw out a lifeline.

We will sink or swim together.L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Reach him at laparker@Trentonian.com.